Nevada County picayune., 1887-08-03

only make it more plain to me that Aunt Barbara is right in her estimate of the society need. l have been fossilized here long enough. l don't want to have you go away with hard feelings, Jack, but you know you really have no claim-o
 "Dou't remind me of tl,atw burst out Jack, passionately. 'I, is ei. ! ther true or not true; Heaven alone knows which. 1 admit we have never exchanged any formal pledges; but if the hopes you have allowed me to cherish; the wei come that has shone in your eyes and thrilled in your voice at every meeting; the free confidence l nave enjoyed, has given me no claim, then indeed I have none; then there is no faith, no constan- cy in wOman.' .E.e
 Il shall always think of you kindly, Jack, and be your friend" murmored Florry, tremulously; for in spite of the bitter sting his words lett upon her heart an in tiuence stronger than pride for. batie her to part from hlm in an ger. 'Bnt it is best to understand each other"
 "Ges. again interrupted Jack; doubtless it is best for ne to un- derstand that. as seen through the lens your fashionable aunt has placed before your eyes, l am no longer suitable company for you. have learned the lesson, Florry; shall never forget it. We can never be friends again--wc must be more than friends, or forever strangers your own lips have pronounced the decree. Good. bye, Florry: may heaven bless and protect you"
 He caught her hand in clasp that almost crushed it, raised II to his lips for one passionate kiss: then, turning, strode hastily away, never once looking back. although FlorrN stood straining her eyes through tile darkness until his form was lost to view.
 "lOu are rather primitive in your style of dismissing visitors my dear," said her aunt, as Florry came slowly in. Ut would be con sidered quite below her dignity m New York for iady to follow guest out to the steps. But nev- CT mind! you will soon OutgrOw those awkward habits, for see you have a natural bend toward refinement, notwithstanding your fathers unfortunate marriage. Now that have taken him back into favor agaiu, mean to do my duty by yau, Florry; but shall expect you to cooperate with me as fully as sossible."
 f'lorry listened in silence, then bidding her aunt goodnight. with drew To her own room. That al, fusion to her idOlized, but recent ly deceased mother, struck to her very heart, and for time she felt disposed to decline her aunt's protlered hospitality. But the feeling passed, and the next day, tn the hurry and hustle of prepa- ration, It was forgotten.
 Her father seemed very we'll pleased at the opportunity for in' troducing his beautiful daughter tO society, and had stretched his slender purse to the utmost m fit. ting her out, tO which her auut's really generous contributions had supplied whatever was lacking.
 They reached New York at the beginning ot the winter season, and while preparing for the first ball, Mrs. Ransom remarked:
 "Our two social lions at present are Mir. Ashley and Mir. keyne; the latter is the richer, however, and every marriageable girl in our set has been trying to capture him m vaiu. II you succeed in bring ing him down. Florry, it will be the greatest social triumph of the sea son, and pretty feather in my cap, as your chaperon. Do your pretiicst, Florry, and 1T you sue ceed in securing Mr, keyne, will give you ten thousand dollars as a marriage dowry"
 Florry listened, half bewildered. and promised to do do all she could to please her aunt. But when. two hours later, a radiant